A good sunscreen, a persistent skincare routine, and a healthy lifestyle may do wonders for your skin and help it retain its youthful look for years.
Ageless beauty is not a myth. It is a reality that can be achieved by anyone who takes good care of their skin. However, as we age, our skin undergoes many changes that can affect its appearance and health. Some of the common challenges and concerns that people over 40 face when it comes to their skincare:
- Dryness: The skin loses moisture and natural oils as it ages, making it more prone to dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
- Wrinkles: The skin loses elasticity and collagen as it ages, making it more susceptible to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
- Pigmentation: The skin produces more melanin as it ages, making it more likely to develop dark spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone;
- Sensitivity: The skin becomes thinner and more fragile as it ages, making it more sensitive to external factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and harsh chemicals.
These challenges and concerns can make us feel less confident and happy about our skin. But don't worry; many solutions and tips can help us maintain healthy, glowing skin over 40. This blog post will discuss some of the best products and practices to help us achieve ageless beauty. We will cover cleansing, serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and sunscreen. We will also recommend some of the best products that suit different skin types and needs.
Why do certain people seem to have frozen in time? Can you tell me their secret? Everyone has a friend who defies age and gravity by looking younger than their age. Check our blog, Why do some people look younger than their age?, where we do a lot of research on this topic.
So, if you want to learn how to maintain healthy, glowing skin over 40, keep reading this blog post. You will discover some secrets of ageless beauty that will make you look and feel amazing.
Cleansing
Cleansing is the key to unlocking your skin's beauty potential. It clears the dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities that can dull your complexion, clog your pores, and cause breakouts. It also makes your skin ready to absorb the goodness of the next steps of your routine, such as serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen. To allow skincare products to penetrate deeper, regular exfoliation is essential to eliminate dead skin cells.
But not all cleansers are the same. Some cleaners can be too harsh or dry for your skin, especially as you age. Your skin becomes thinner, more fragile, and less able to retain moisture as you age. That's why you need a gentle cleanser that can effectively exfoliate your skin without stripping it of its natural oils and disrupting its pH balance.
Unhealthy skincare routines may age your skin. However, it does help to have a strict skincare routine that includes daily cleansing and the removal of all traces of makeup. In our blog, Does Wearing Makeup Age Your Skin? we discuss how important for skin is a good cleanser.
A gentle cleanser contains mild surfactant cleansing agents that do not irritate or damage the skin barrier. It also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients that help to replenish and calm the skin. A gentle cleanser should be fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic.
The best gentle cleanser for your skin type will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some examples of mild cleansers that suit different skin types:
- For normal or combination skin: You can choose a gel or lotion cleanser that can balance your oil and moisture levels. Look for cleaners that contain ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or chamomile. For example, you can try the Ceramide Purifying Cream Cleanser by Elizabeth Arden, a classic and affordable option for all skin types.
- For dry skin: You can choose a cream or oil cleanser to moisturize and nourish your skin. Look for cleansers containing ceramides, fatty acids, shea butter, or jojoba oil. Try the BIOTHERM BIOSOURCE SOFTENING FOAMING CLEANSER, for example, which is a creamy and hydrating cleanser enriched with Life Plankton. This pure thermal plankton extract contains 35 nutrients, proteins, vitamins, amino acids, fluids, lipids, and trace elements that help revive the skin’s vital functions and are essential to its health.
- For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a foam or clay cleanser to purify and mattify your skin. Look for cleansers containing salicylic acid, tree oil, green tea, or charcoal. The CLARINS ONE-STEP FACIAL CLEANSER WITH ORANGE EXTRACT is a good option. It is a natural, gentle cleanser that removes impurities and regulates oil production.
To use a gentle cleanser, wet your face with lukewarm water and apply a small amount of the cleaner to your fingertips. Massage it gently onto your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel. You should cleanse your face twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening. Using a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, you can keep your skin clean, healthy, and glowing over 40.
Serums
Serums are skin-care products that deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients to the skin. They are usually thin and lightweight, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin layers than creams or lotions. Serums can target specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, dark spots, dullness, or sagging.
One of the most beneficial serums for people over 40 contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals and unstable atoms that can damage the skin cells and cause signs of ageing. Antioxidants can protect the skin from environmental stressors like sun exposure, pollution, and smoke. They can also brighten the skin tone, calm inflammation, and boost collagen production.
Some of the most popular antioxidants in serums are vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, retinol, and niacinamide. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can fade hyperpigmentation, stimulate collagen synthesis, and enhance skin radiance. Vitamin E is a moisturizing antioxidant that can strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant that can improve the stability and efficacy of vitamin C and E. Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant that can improve skin elasticity and firmness. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can reduce redness, minimize pores, and regulate oil production.
Another type of serum that can benefit people over 40 contains retinoids. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that can increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, fight wrinkles, and even out skin tone. Retinoids can also unclog pores, reduce acne, and smooth skin texture.
Hyaluronic acid has been a skincare superstar for years. Learn 10 benefits of using hyaluronic acid and find what is in your serum, cream, foam, moisturizer, or lotion in our blog 10 benefits of hyaluronic acid - Skincare Superstar.
Some of the most common retinoids in serums are retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, and bakuchiol. Retinol is the most widely used retinoid in skin care. It is converted into retinoic acid in the skin, the active form that binds to the receptors and triggers the desired effects. Retinaldehyde is one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, making it more potent and faster-acting. Retinyl palmitate is a gentle retinoid that is suitable for sensitive skin. Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative to retinol that has similar benefits without irritation.
Here are some examples of serums that contain antioxidants or retinoids that suit different skin types and needs:
- For normal or combination skin: You can choose a serum that contains a variety of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. This trio of antioxidants can synergistically boost each other's effects and provide optimal protection and rejuvenation for your skin. You could give the H2O Plus Aquafirm + Intensive Lift Serum a shot, for instance, a cult-favourite serum that has been clinically proven to improve signs of aging and photodamage.
- For dry skin: You can choose a serum that contains a hydrating antioxidant such as resveratrol or niacinamide. These antioxidants can moisturize and nourish your skin, improving its elasticity and firmness. Try out something like the KLAPP CLINICAL CARE SURGERY LOTION RICH, for example, which is a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinol, plus additional problem-solving substances.
- For oily or acne-prone skin: You can choose a serum that contains a mattifying antioxidant such as niacinamide or a pore-clearing retinoid such as retinol or bakuchiol. These ingredients can regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts while smoothing wrinkles and brightening dark spots. For example, try the PERRICONE MD VITAMIN C ESTER BRIGHTENING AMINE FACELIFT, a lightweight serum containing AHA / PHA Super Blend, Vitamin C, and Ferulic Acid.
To use a serum, apply a few drops to your fingertips and gently pat it onto your face and neck after cleansing and toning your skin. You should use a serum twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening. Your skin type and needs determine which antioxidants or retinoids you should use in your serum to maintain healthy and glowing skin over 40.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are skin-care products that hydrate and nourish the skin. Moisture is a key factor for keeping healthy skin. They are usually thicker and richer than serums, providing a protective layer on the skin surface that prevents water loss. Moisturizers can also contain ingredients that soothe, repair, and rejuvenate the skin.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a moisturizer is your skin type and needs. Different skin types have different levels of oil and moisture production, as well as different sensitivities and preferences. Therefore, you need a moisturizer that can balance your skin's hydration and comfort without causing any adverse reactions.
There are several types of moisturizers: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Humectants draw water into the top layer of the skin, while emollients help fill the cracks and seal in the moisture to provide a smooth, soft complexion. Occlusives provide a thicker protective barrier to prevent water loss.
Some of the most common moisturizers are lotions, creams, gels, and oils. Lotions are light and watery, suitable for normal or oily skin. Creams are thick and creamy, ideal for dry or mature skin. Gels are clear and cooling, suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. Oils are liquid and greasy, perfect for dry or sensitive skin.
Here are some examples of moisturizers that suit different skin types and needs:
- For normal or combination skin: You can choose a lotion or gel moisturizer to balance your oil and moisture levels. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or chamomile. Try the SHISEIDO BIO-PERFORMANCE ADVANCED SUPER REVITALIZING CREAM, which is a lightweight moisturizer that is Infused with high-performing Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid; this rich-textured cream quickly melts into the skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Delivers long-lasting moisture for beautifully resilient, soft, and dewy skin.
- For dry or mature skin: You can choose a cream or oil moisturizer to moisturize and nourish your skin. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids, shea butter, or jojoba oil. For example, you can try the JUICE BEAUTY PREBIOTIX HYDRATING GEL MOISTURIZER, a rich cream containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid to strengthen and hydrate the skin.
- Choose a gel or oil-free moisturizer for oily or acne-prone skin to purify and mattify your skin. Look for moisturizers containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, tree oil, green tea, or niacinamide. The ELIZABETH ARDEN PREVAGE ANTI AGING INTENSIVE REPAIR DAILY SERUM is one such product, which is a shine-control moisturizer that contains Aloe Leaf Juice, Linseed Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil.
- For sensitive or irritated skin: You can choose an oil or ointment moisturizer to soothe and calm your skin. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as oatmeal, calendula, chamomile, or lavender. You can try the SHISEIDO WHITE LUCENT SPF 23 MOISTURIZER. This dewy, smooth emulsion protects skin against daily pollutants, visibly brightens skin, and diminishes the look of dark spots and unevenness. Skin is left looking bright, vibrant, dewy, and moist.
To use a moisturizer, apply a pea-sized amount to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck after cleansing and applying serum. You should use a moisturizer twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important product for preventing and reversing signs of aging caused by sun exposure. The sun emits two types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause damage to the collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness. UVB rays affect the skin's surface and cause sunburn, inflammation, and DNA mutations leading to skin cancer.
Sunscreen can protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays by reflecting, absorbing, or scattering them. Sunscreen products have two main indicators of their effectiveness: SPF and broad-spectrum.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays. SPF is expressed as a number, such as SPF 15, SPF 30, or SPF 50. The higher the number, the more protection it offers. For example, SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
Broad-spectrum means that sunscreen can protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Not all sunscreens are broad-spectrum, so you must look for this product label. Broad-spectrum sunscreens usually contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, or ecamsule.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and is water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of your skin at least 15 minutes before going outside. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Conclusion
Following a simple but effective skin-care routine for people over 40 can protect your skin from environmental damage, prevent and reverse signs of aging, and enhance your skin's health and appearance. You can also enjoy the benefits of feeling more confident and happy about your radiant skin.
We hope you have found this blog post helpful and informative. We encourage you to try some of the products that we have recommended or to share your own experiences and suggestions in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you and learn from your feedback.
Thank you for reading this blog post. We wish you a beautiful day and beautiful skin.